A device, which generates truly random numbers using the timestamps of radioactive decay. It uses an open-source Geiger counter to detect radioactive decays of a small amount of americanuim-241 which is contained in an ionization smoke detector. Each press of the big red button gives a new random number.
This project is highly inspired by The muon-powered, universe-bifurcating, random number machine by AlphaPhoenix.
The range of the random numbers can be set between 1 and 999 using the green and blue button.
It also shows the activity A and equivalent dose E. This mode can be accessed using the yellow button.
The battery voltage U can be displayed by pressing the yellow button twice.
Radioactive decays are in contrast to the throw of a dice or computer generated random numbers truly random. This might not be of any practical use but is philosophically very interesting. (Further information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxP30euw3-0, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuvK-od647c)
To detect the radiation of decays (or other radiations) we use a Geiger counter and as a source of radiation an ionization smoke detector containing americanium-241 (see picture below). (Booth can easily be obtained via the internet.)
The components of this project are shown in the fritzing diagram below. An Arduino nano reads the signals of an Geiger counter, runs the code and displays everything on an LCD-display. It also reads the battery voltage using a voltage divider and an analog pin. The detection of a decay can be displayed with a lamp/LED. (In the Photos above, I even added a second lamp directly to the On/Off switch to indicate that the device is on.)
The picture below shows all the electronics.
